It's Not the Manners, It's the Message

 Written by Ramona Leiter

The recent Jane Austen craze was I believe, not about MANNERS but more about MESSAGE.

In her stories Jane writes about people from different walks of life who all have strengths and weaknesses, go through times of trial, learn lessons etc... All which can apply to any time period regardless of how restrained or loose a society is. Human nature remains constant. But above all this all of Jane Austens stories share the key message of hope. Even in her endings she writes hopeful outcomes for the most idiosyncratic characters right alongside the heroes and heroines.

One thing our current society seems to be is increasingly hopeless. This sense of despair, this loss of faith is reflected in our actions, our lives and yes in our entertainment. So like a breath of fresh air here comes stories that (despite the outer trappings of fancy costumes and elegant talk) ring true. The lead characters are taken to the edge, but they are never tossed over. When all hope seem rightfully futile, there is a believable, happy ending.

Either the leading women, the leading men or both think they have been forgotten and will be left behind to live lonely lives. They usually resolve themselves to this and once they come to terms with this, they are rewarded in the end.

A scripture that comes to mind is, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, New International Version)

In other words when trials and obstacles come our way, don't despair because God can bring the good out of the situation. It will all turn out alright in the end. This is what I got from Jane Austen. This is what I think we were ready for in the 1990s. Now I don't think she will ever really go out of style.

April 27, 1997

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